No New GM?

[ChampBailey24]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5911711

Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway is expected to become a lead executive in the Denver Broncos' front office by the end of this season, according to league sources.

"I'd be very surprised if it didn’t happen," a person with direct knowledge of the situation said.

Elway is likely to join the front office in a position with broad personnel powers, working closely with COO Joe Ellis as team owner Pat Bowlen’s two most trusted men.

The Broncos first approached Elway about a front office role last week, before Denver fired its former head coach Josh McDaniels. Both sides recognize it is more important to get the deal done right than to get it done fast.

They now are trying to determine Elway's exact job title, his job responsibilities and a fair salary. But Elway wants to work in Denver’s front office the way his father Jack once did, and the Broncos are interesting in having him help restore this franchise’s credibility and respectability.

Elway has been inching his way into this position since last offseason, when he signed a five-year consulting/marketing deal with the Broncos, according to sources. It reconnected Elway with the Broncos, enabled him to spend more time around the organization, and now both sides are preparing and expecting him to take it to the next level, in which he would have a direct role in hiring Denver’s next head coach.

Even before they hire a new head coach, the Broncos first plan to restructure their front office, according to league sources.

Elway already is working as a consultant and advisor to Bowlen. The two men dined together this past week, the night that Denver fired McDaniels. Elway also delivered a pep speech to the team before it blew out the Chiefs in Denver. Elway now wants to help take care of Bowlen and his organization the way he did for 16 seasons when he played quarterback for Denver.

Many of the co-workers that potentially would surround Elway already are in place. The Broncos do plan to retain general manager Brian Xanders, though his responsibilities could be altered to accommodate Elway.

[Taco John]

Brian is keeping the sprinkler codes under tight wrap for job security.

[bowtown]

Anyone else think Elway would make a very experienced and qualified GM?

[Broncos_OTM]

just get us some good talent evaluators thats all i ask for

[go_broncos]

Bowlen..First get a good experienced GM.
If you are trying to be cheap, it's better for everyone that you sell the team to the one that cares about broncos..

[Lev Vyvanse]

Anyone else think Elway would make a very experienced and qualified GM?

How? Arena league?

[go_broncos]

Anyone else think Elway would make a very experienced and qualified GM?

Elway himself said that he is not fit to be a GM..
If bowlen keeps Brian, then we will have the same results.

[bowtown]

How? Arena league?

Sure, and also he was a good QB and has been to the superbowl.

[bowtown]

Elway himself said that he is not fit to be a GM..
If bowlen keeps Brian, then we will have the same results.

I don't think Elway knows enough about what is involved with being a good GM to really be able to gauge whether or not he is fit to be one. I think he is.

[Lev Vyvanse]

Sure, and also he was a good QB and has been to the superbowl.

What does that have to do with being an experienced or qualified GM?

[bowtown]

What does that have to do with being an experienced or qualified GM?

He's in the HOF.

[Hamrob]

I think the difficulty with slotting Elway into the fold...has alot to do with how to make it work. You don't want to neuter the Franchize (Elway), but if you go and get a seasoned GM...they're not going to want to take direction from him either. So, how do you make it work? Well, Xanders (good or bad) fits that scenario. He wouldn't let his ego get in the way of working with Elway. He could lead the show with Elway/Ellis making the final call if needed. Bring in a guy seasoned GM and they're going to want their decisions to be final.

To me, that's why they are trying to figure out how to add Elway to the mix...without upsetting the applecart.

[go_broncos]

I don't think Elway knows enough about what is involved with being a good GM to really be able to gauge whether or not he is fit to be one. I think he is.

It is better to hire an experienced GM rather than hoping that Elway might become good GM.
We cannot take any more chances now.
Mcd screwed up this franchise..
We need to bring experienced GM and head coach to save this franchise.

[broncogary]

He's in the HOF.

How about Floyd Little? He needs a job.

[bowtown]

How about Floyd Little? He needs a job.

Sure,maybe head of personel. Maybe Zimmerman can also be our OC.

[Killericon]

Looking back on it, I feel like McDaniels provided Xanders with a shopping list, and he went out and got what McDaniels wanted. I doubt very much that we're looking at Xanders' team.

[elsid13]

If Elway is part of the front office structure, then I expect you will see a new personnel guy either promoted or brought in to handle that part of the job. Xander will return to his job under Shanahan as contract guy. If Elway's father was alive I would expect him to be our new personnel guy in charge of scouting and player acquisition. But I strongly expect a purge in that area of the organization too.

[HooptyHoops]

Didn't Elway say he would find someone that can do personnel? Xanders may just become a capoligist, not a true GM. We are still a long way into knowing what is going to happen to the structure and coach, but I love that Elway is getting involved!

[CBF1]

What does that have to do with being an experienced or qualified GM?

And you are a general manager of what billion dollar company?... you must be to be the judge of other.

[broncogary]

Sure,maybe head of personel. Maybe Zimmerman can also be our OC.

Well, it's not much of a front office-only three guys, but it's all we've got. ;D

[TonyR]

I think the difficulty with slotting Elway into the fold...has alot to do with how to make it work. You don't want to neuter the Franchize (Elway), but if you go and get a seasoned GM...they're not going to want to take direction from him either. So, how do you make it work? Well, Xanders (good or bad) fits that scenario. He wouldn't let his ego get in the way of working with Elway. He could lead the show with Elway/Ellis making the final call if needed. Bring in a guy seasoned GM and they're going to want their decisions to be final.

To me, that's why they are trying to figure out how to add Elway to the mix...without upsetting the applecart.

Good post, I was thinking pretty much the same thing today. The downside of bringing in Elway is that you're probably not going to get a big time, legit GM type added to the mix because they won't want someone of Elway's stature involved. So as happy as part of me is to have Elway more heavily involved I do have some reservations about it.

[bowtown]

Well, it's not much of a front office-only three guys, but it's all we've got> ;D

Yeah, I'd be willing to have Gradishar, Nalen, TD and Sharp come in as scouts and QC assistants to be promoted later if they are ever inducted.

[Broncoman13]

Elway himself said that he is not fit to be a GM..
If bowlen keeps Brian, then we will have the same results.

Brian should be kept on... he has knowledge of the cap and good connections to agents. His working relationships and familiarity with contracts and negotiating contracts is a needed skillset within the organization. I don't think he'll be responsible for identifying talent but more likely negotiating deals with the talent that someone else identifies for him. I'm okay with that... so long as he isn't picking the players he is negotiating with. Hopefully, it is a deal where a GM or "brain trust" say we want player "x" and we are willing to pay him in the 4 year $5m per year neighborhood... make it happen under those constraints or we'll move on to the next player.

[theAPAOps5]

I think that Elway won't be the GM and neither will Xanders. Elway will have broad personnel powers.

You could take that as he will be the one to hire a GM and talent evaluators. Not that he is the GM. My take is this, he is a leader has been his whole career both on the field and in business.

Leaders surround themselves with talent that compliments their weaknesses. I suspect John Elway will do the same.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Xanders will be neutered with Elway and Cowher telling him what to do.

[Gutless Drunk]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/12/as-elway-prepares-to-join-broncos-other-teams-nod-and-smile/

As Elway prepares to join Broncos, other teams nod and smile

The worst-kept secret in NFL circles is that Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway will be returning to the Broncos. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that it will happen by the end of the season.

Issues to be resolved remain title, salary, and responsibilities. (In other words, “everything.”) Schefter reports that Elway will have a “direct role” in the hiring of the team’s next head coach. Also, Schefter says that G.M. Brian Xanders won’t be retained in that role, but that he could remain in some other capacity.

Meanwhile, a buzz is emerging in league circles regarding the possibility that Elway will waltz into the Broncos front office, Matt Millen-style, and potentially run a team without the experience or, possibly, the skill to do so.

“Please let the Elway rumor be true!” an executive with another AFC team told us via text message earlier this week.

Elway’s potential impact will depend on his responsibilities — and on whether he’s willing to acknowledge the limits of his abilities and to designate accordingly to folks who know what needs to be done.

[Broncos_OTM]

As long as they give elway some strong people around him... like say the goodmans i am ok with this.

[footstepsfrom#27]

So he's not qualified to be the GM by his own admission, but he's going to the top of the FO food chain alongside Ellis? That doesn't make much sense unless there is no GM on this front office staff.

[Broncos_OTM]

Xanders will be neutered with Elway and Cowher telling him what to do.

I like Cower and could be on board with this as long as he doesnt have full control

[Kaylore]

Anyone else think Elway would make a very experienced and qualified GM?

No. Including Elway.

[go_broncos]

Bowlen is becoming Al Davis..
No experienced GM will work under Elway..
Elway is not qualified..He even admitted it..
Even if he hires GM, he will not have all the powers..
In the article..it is clearly written that Elway will hire head coach..
Bowlen..Don't screw this up again..

[go_broncos]

I like Cower and could be on board with this as long as he doesnt have full control

If Elway hires the coach, it will be a rookie..

[WolfpackGuy]

I don't agree with Elway stepping into the fray as inexperienced as he is, but he's forgotten more football than Xanders will ever know.

That's how bad it is at the top in Denver.

[Kaylore]

Here's what I hope they're doing:

Elway is brought on as VP of football operations. He is on an advisory board that Bowlen assembles and, working closely with Joe Ellis, they decide on the next General Manager, likely an outside higher. Xanders is asked to step down as "GM". As a consolation prize they offer him the same pay and functionally the same responsibilities, where he mostly offers input in personnel decisions, but has no real power and focuses exclusively on contracts and cap. Probably director of pro personnel or something. I could see Xanders going either way on this.

Next they interview and hire a GM who lays out the ground work of a three year plan and what his team philosophy is. The Broncos empower him re-work the scouting department and he has quite a bit of say on the candidates they look at for head coach. My personal opinion is they should let the GM decide, but I believe this will be a consensus reached between, Bowlen, Elway, Ellis and whoever the GM is. Once he is hired all assistant coach hires will be determined by the GM and Head Coach. The draft will be run by the GM, with Elway and the Coach giving their input.

One thing they might do, depending on how Studesville finishes the season and how the league and the union talks go. They may hire a GM and stick with Studesville through 2011 to bleed off Shanny and McD's money and wait for a year when coaches feel like there is greater certainty about the new season. I don't see them doing that unless Studesville goes at least 3-1, though. Bowlen firing McDaniels this soon shows he's more worried about winning than saving money.

[Broncos_OTM]

I don't agree with Elway stepping into the fray as inexperienced as he is, but he's forgotten more football than Xanders will ever know.

That's how bad it is at the top in Denver.

I aggree it has gotten ugly in Denver. I hope all this will come out in the wash

[broncogary]

How will all of this affect John's golf game?

[Broncos_OTM]

Here's what I hope they're doing:

Elway is brought on as VP of football operations. He is on an advisory board that Bowlen assembles and, working closely with Joe Ellis, they decide on the next General Manager, likely an outside higher. Xanders is asked to step down as "GM". As a consolation prize they offer him the same pay and functionally the same responsibilities, where he mostly offers input in personnel decisions, but has no real power and focuses exclusively on contracts and cap. Probably director of pro personnel or something. I could see Xanders going either way on this.

Next they interview and hire a GM who lays out the ground work of a three year plan and what his team philosophy is. The Broncos empower him re-work the scouting department and he has quite a bit of say on the candidates they look at for head coach. My personal opinion is they should let the GM decide, but I believe this will be a consensus reached between, Bowlen, Elway, Ellis and whoever the GM is. Once he is hired all assistant coach hires will be determined by the GM and Head Coach. The draft will be run by the GM, with Elway and the Coach giving their input.

One thing they might do, depending on how Studesville finishes the season and how the league and the union talks go. They may hire a GM and stick with Studesville through 2011 to bleed off Shanny and McD's money and wait for a year when coaches feel like there is greater certainty about the new season. I don't see them doing that unless Studesville goes at least 3-1, though. Bowlen firing McDaniels this soon shows he's more worried about winning than saving money.

its all about the dollars cause if denver doesnt win he has been shown that they will not come. which means he loses money. Might as well spend the money and try to win.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Just hire a real GM Pat. If you want Elway around fine, but find yourself an experineced GM who has a documented track record of solid NFL success.

[TonyR]

Next they interview and hire a GM...

I hope so. But my concern, as I mentioned previously in this thread, is that nobody legit will want the job with Elway involved. Will anybody want to share power with Elway in Denver? I really think Elway could potentially make this a tougher job to fill. I could actually see Xanders remaining GM but not really having the true power of a GM, much like the role he has now and the role Sundquist had with Shanahan.

[WolfpackGuy]

I just want a GM who will be consulted on trades.

That's kind of something he should know about, right?

[Kaylore]

I hope so. But my concern, as I mentioned previously in this thread, is that nobody legit will want the job with Elway involved. Will anybody want to share power with Elway in Denver? I really think Elway could potentially make this a tougher job to fill. I could actually see Xanders remaining GM but not really having the true power of a GM, much like the role he has now and the role Sundquist had with Shanahan.

That's a fair concern. I think Elway will give his input on who the new GM is, but hopefully once he's hired Elway's function becomes strictly advisory.

[DenverBroncosJM]

Anyone else think Elway would make a very experienced and qualified GM?



Are you overlooking the fact tht he admitted he doesn't have the knowledge?

[rbackfactory80]

I think anything that helps take some of the decision making out of Bowlen's hands is a good idea.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Here's a question; fast forward a ways down the road and consider that if things go south again and the team is re-structured in the FO, does Bowlen ever get to the point he fires John Elway? Doesn't Elway's legend almost preclude that ever happening? I hope John's role really is scaled down to start with and this isn't just another Bowlen magic trick.

[snowspot66]

Here's a question; fast forward a ways down the road and consider that if things go south again and the team is re-structured in the FO, does Bowlen ever get to the point he fires John Elway? Doesn't Elway's legend almost preclude that ever happening? I hope John's role really is scaled down to start with and this isn't just another Bowlen magic trick.

I think they'll put him in a role above that. He'll assist in getting the FO in order and then step back and let them do their jobs.

[Broncoman13]

That's a fair concern. I think Elway will give his input on who the new GM is, but hopefully once he's hired Elway's function becomes strictly advisory.

I agree with what you said earlier. I think Elway will be part of an advisory board that will select the next HC. I don't think they will hire a true GM. They will more likely hire a personnel guru that operates in a similar capacity when it comes to acquiring players and identifying draft prospects.

I think Elway will have a lot of input but it won't be on a player-by-player basis... unless he sees a guy that he really fancies. Say for example he looks at players like Suh and McCoy from last year and feels that Suh is more likely to have an immediate impact, he would have the ability to influence the final decision... but only when the scouting department identfies their top two guys. Another example would be if they were looking at certain positions to draft in the first round. If they had a guy like CJ Spiller rated slightly higher than a guy like Rolando McClain, he could influence the decision to go the direction of defense based on need. (I am using last year's players b/c I'm not sure what will be available this year... save for a couple guys). The real question will be, if you have a guy like Peterson available (best CB in years) and a stud DLineman (Darreus, Fairley, Bowers), which direction would you go and would Elway have the situational awareness to know what direction to go. DL has been a need for a long time, but with Champ aging and possibly moving on, do you go with the CB? I'd perfer we went with a stud DL, even if it means moving to a 4-3 which would be better fits for the three top DLs.

I don't mind the 3-4 at all, but it looks like Ayers and Doom are locks for the OLB positions if we keep that defense. A 4-3 DE like Bowers isn't big enough to play DE in a 3-4 and even if he added some weight, what would be the point of using that high pick on a position that you don't use to pressure the QB. IMO, the only DL position worth drafting high in a 3-4 is NT and there isn't a guy worthy of top 10 consideration at NT. Darreus can play both DT and DE, but in a 3-4 he is better suited for DE. Fairley could possibly transition to DE in a 3-4, but he is a Trevor Pryce like player inside... in a 4-3. I believe a switch to a 4-3 would be the smartest move we could make. Draft a guy like Darreus or more better yet Fairley to pressure up the middle. Then play Doom and Ayers at DE. Play DJ at his natural Weak-Side OLB position and find a Mike through free agency or in the 2nd round of the draft. The front seven would be much improved and it would really only take two moves (one in the draft and one in FA) and allow us to focus the rest of our resources on the secondary. Might be wishful thinking, but right now we aren't set up to be successful in either scheme. Makes sense to identify the best fits and adjust based on what is available.

[TD4HOF]

This is great news, I don't see how it wouldn't be. Look, El way's a Stanford grad and a proven business stalwart. Am pretty sure he didn't start a successful chain of car dealerships by not listening to anyone and failing to hire the right people for the right jobs. Before you flame me for comparing moving autos to the NFL, consider my main point that is Elway's a proven winner in multiple roles. This, to me, signals that a big-time vet head coach is definitely in the works.

Or the lockout renders everything moot and everything I just typed is gone with the wind indefinitely.

[SoCalBronco]

Anyone else think Elway would make a very experienced and qualified GM?

No.

He's not qualified. He'd be a fine VP of marketing though, but they need a real, legitimate GM. If his role isn't limited, which I don't trust Bowlen to ensure it is, this is a poor choice.

GET A REAL ****ING GM, Pat.

[SoCalBronco]

Meanwhile, a buzz is emerging in league circles regarding the possibility that Elway will waltz into the Broncos front office, Matt Millen-style, and potentially run a team without the experience or, possibly, the skill to do so.

“Please let the Elway rumor be true!” an executive with another AFC team told us via text message earlier this week.

Elway’s potential impact will depend on his responsibilities — and on whether he’s willing to acknowledge the limits of his abilities and to designate accordingly to folks who know what needs to be done.

This is exactly what I'm fearing, but hey, Pat brings problems onto himself. He has no one to blame but himself. This better just be for PR purposes, only. There should be VIRTUALLY no power attached to Elway's job.

[footstepsfrom#27]

To many consultants, capologists, VP of thisorthat, etc...Bowlen needs to quit dickin' around with all these snap-on FO components he's fond of and just go out and find himself a strong GM who knows how to get things done and knows the league.

[HILife]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5911711

Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway is expected to become a lead executive in the Denver Broncos' front office by the end of this season, according to league sources.

"I'd be very surprised if it didn’t happen," a person with direct knowledge of the situation said.

Elway is likely to join the front office in a position with broad personnel powers, working closely with COO Joe Ellis as team owner Pat Bowlen’s two most trusted men.

The Broncos first approached Elway about a front office role last week, before Denver fired its former head coach Josh McDaniels. Both sides recognize it is more important to get the deal done right than to get it done fast.

They now are trying to determine Elway's exact job title, his job responsibilities and a fair salary. But Elway wants to work in Denver’s front office the way his father Jack once did, and the Broncos are interesting in having him help restore this franchise’s credibility and respectability.

Elway has been inching his way into this position since last offseason, when he signed a five-year consulting/marketing deal with the Broncos, according to sources. It reconnected Elway with the Broncos, enabled him to spend more time around the organization, and now both sides are preparing and expecting him to take it to the next level, in which he would have a direct role in hiring Denver’s next head coach.

Even before they hire a new head coach, the Broncos first plan to restructure their front office, according to league sources.

Elway already is working as a consultant and advisor to Bowlen. The two men dined together this past week, the night that Denver fired McDaniels. Elway also delivered a pep speech to the team before it blew out the Chiefs in Denver. Elway now wants to help take care of Bowlen and his organization the way he did for 16 seasons when he played quarterback for Denver.

Many of the co-workers that potentially would surround Elway already are in place. The Broncos do plan to retain general manager Brian Xanders, though his responsibilities could be altered to accommodate Elway.


That's good and all, but can he play QB?

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Florio needs to shut the **** up through all of this. His sources and his opinions are all out of whack.

Nolan Ryan will never work as a decision maker or co-owner of a baseball franchise! Just because he pitched for all those years and sold beef doesn't mean he knows how to put together a team! No way this works! It's a gimmick! He's only there to be a mascot!

[broncolife]

To many consultants, capologists, VP of thisorthat, etc...Bowlen needs to quit dickin' around with all these snap-on FO components he's fond of and just go out and find himself a strong GM who knows how to get things done and knows the league.

I agree. We should hire a GM first and have him decide what Xanders and Elway should be doing. But if the GM they want is on another team right now then I have no problem with them trying to get the structure ready for him when he comes in.

[oubronco]

Damn it I wanted Decosta

[Cool Breeze]

Elway will be popular face shifting attention from the stink of recent failures.

[Hulamau]

Here's what I hope they're doing:

Elway is brought on as VP of football operations. He is on an advisory board that Bowlen assembles and, working closely with Joe Ellis, they decide on the next General Manager, likely an outside higher. Xanders is asked to step down as "GM". As a consolation prize they offer him the same pay and functionally the same responsibilities, where he mostly offers input in personnel decisions, but has no real power and focuses exclusively on contracts and cap. Probably director of pro personnel or something. I could see Xanders going either way on this.

Next they interview and hire a GM who lays out the ground work of a three year plan and what his team philosophy is. The Broncos empower him re-work the scouting department and he has quite a bit of say on the candidates they look at for head coach. My personal opinion is they should let the GM decide, but I believe this will be a consensus reached between, Bowlen, Elway, Ellis and whoever the GM is. Once he is hired all assistant coach hires will be determined by the GM and Head Coach. The draft will be run by the GM, with Elway and the Coach giving their input.

One thing they might do, depending on how Studesville finishes the season and how the league and the union talks go. They may hire a GM and stick with Studesville through 2011 to bleed off Shanny and McD's money and wait for a year when coaches feel like there is greater certainty about the new season. I don't see them doing that unless Studesville goes at least 3-1, though. Bowlen firing McDaniels this soon shows he's more worried about winning than saving money.

Good post Kaylore ...

[TD4HOF]

Why aren't there more posts on this thread? The future is now.

[Premier-Ace55]

I think the difficulty with slotting Elway into the fold...has alot to do with how to make it work. You don't want to neuter the Franchize (Elway), but if you go and get a seasoned GM...they're not going to want to take direction from him either. So, how do you make it work? Well, Xanders (good or bad) fits that scenario. He wouldn't let his ego get in the way of working with Elway. He could lead the show with Elway/Ellis making the final call if needed. Bring in a guy seasoned GM and they're going to want their decisions to be final.

To me, that's why they are trying to figure out how to add Elway to the mix...without upsetting the applecart.

I disagree with this statement if it is clear that Elway is his boss the GM would need to take direction. I'm sure Elway wouldn't step on his toes but give him a general vision of the direction he would want to see the team go. I think your reading to much into it. No offense.

[bronco militia]

I'm not buying this story either..

the goodmans were "safe" too remember?

[Beantown Bronco]

Why aren't there more posts on this thread?

Half the board tried to eat one of those bacon concoctions from the other thread and died.

[Garcia Bronco]

I think this is going to be a disaster. But we'll see

[bronco militia]

I think this is going to be a disaster. But we'll see

can it get any worse?

[Garcia Bronco]

can it get any worse?

I've seen that post 8 times over this season and the answer has always been "yes!".

[Tombstone RJ]

Hypothetical Restructure:

Pat Bowlen, Owner and President
Joe Ellis, COO
John Elway, VP of Football Operations
New Hire, GM and VP of Football Operations
Xanders, CFO

I don't know why Ellis is needed. Maybe he pours Pat his drinks or something. If the Broncos really hire a true and qualified GM, I think Ellis is expendable... this is probably why the Broncos won't hire a real GM...

[yerner]

The red sox have three owners that have different roles. I know Ellis and Elway don't have ownership in the team but they might as well have. Each in owner in the red sox organization have different roles and still have a gm in place and a complete front office of smart younger people working on the team. It is possible to set up something that works.